History of Parintins

Parintins is a distinctive city located on Tupinambarana Island amidst the majestic Amazon River. Its history is rooted in the deep past, when these lands were inhabited by numerous indigenous peoples. It is believed that the city's name is derived from the Parintintin indigenous tribe, which historically resided in this region before the arrival of Europeans.

The official foundation of the settlement dates back to the late 18th century, when the Portuguese captain José Pedro Cordovil arrived on the island in 1796. Initially, the place developed as a small outpost and missionary centre named Vila Nova da Rainha. Thanks to its convenient geographical location on the waterway, the settlement gradually grew, becoming an important point in the development of the state of Amazonas.

The cultural identity of Parintins was formed under the influence of a blend of indigenous legends, African rhythms, and Portuguese traditions. This unique heritage is most vividly manifested in local folklore, which became the basis for the world-famous festival. Today, the city carefully preserves its history, remaining a symbol of the vibrant and mysterious culture of the Brazilian North.

• 1796 — Portuguese Captain José Pedro Cordovil founds the settlement of Vila Nova da Rainha on Tupinambarana Island.
• 1803 — The settlement receives the status of a religious mission under the administration of Carmelite friars for the evangelisation of the local population.
• 1833 — The area is officially elevated to the rank of a parish (freguesia) within the region's administrative structure.
• 1848 — The locality receives the status of a town (vila) and the new name Vila Bela da Imperatriz in honour of Empress Teresa Cristina.
• 1858 — A judicial district (comarca) is established, strengthening the settlement's administrative importance in the province of Amazonas.
• 1880 — Vila Bela receives city status and is renamed Parintins in honour of the indigenous tribe that inhabited the area.
• 1913 — This period marks the origin of the city's two main folklore associations — "Boi Garantido" and "Boi Caprichoso".
• 1955 — Pope Pius XII establishes the Diocese (Prelature) of Parintins, reinforcing the city's religious role.
• 1965 — The first official Parintins Folklore Festival takes place, organised by a group of local youth.
• 1988 — The "Bumbódromo" is inaugurated — a stadium in the shape of a bull's head, becoming the main arena for the annual festival performances.
• 2018 — The "Boi-Bumbá" Cultural Complex is officially recognised by the Institute of National Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) as a Cultural Heritage of Brazil.

The development of Parintins is a journey from a strategic river outpost to one of the main tourism hubs of the Amazon. Key milestones in the city's history are linked to shifting economic cycles, migration, and the creation of a unique cultural infrastructure.

• Administrative Independence (1880)
  Obtaining city status was the starting point for the formation of its own municipal government and budget. This allowed Parintins to develop civil infrastructure independently of the state capital and strengthen its position as an important trading hub on the Middle Amazon.
• The "Jute Cycle" and Japanese Immigration (1930s)
  The arrival of Japanese immigrants and the beginning of jute (a fibrous plant) cultivation in the Vila Amazônia area radically changed the city's economy. For decades, Parintins became a global centre for jute production, leading to population growth and the creation of new jobs following the decline of the rubber boom.
• Construction of the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (1961–1981)
  The construction of the cathedral was the major urban planning project of the mid-20th century. Designed by Italian architects, this is the tallest building in the city and remains a visual landmark and symbol of religious life in the region.
• Officialisation of the Folklore Festival (1965)
  The transformation of spontaneous street parades into an organised festival laid the foundation for the city's modern tourism economy. This event began to attract attention throughout Brazil, stimulating the development of the service and hospitality sectors.
• Opening of the "Bumbódromo" (1988)
  The construction of a stadium for 35,000 spectators was a crucial urban transformation. The creation of a specialised arena allowed for the professionalisation of performances, attracted major sponsors, and permanently secured Parintins' status as the cultural capital of the Amazon.
• Recognition as Cultural Heritage (2018)
  The designation of the "Boi-Bumbá" complex as Cultural Heritage of Brazil opened new opportunities for federal funding and international promotion of the city, cementing tourism as a key driver of local economic development.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Parintins is dictated by its location on an island in the Amazon riverbed. The city developed from the coastline inland, maintaining a predominantly low-rise profile. The architectural landscape represents a fusion of modest historical heritage, religious landmarks of the mid-20th century, and modern infrastructure created to serve mass tourism and festivals.

Main Styles and Iconic Structures

• Late Eclecticism and Colonial Echoes (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
  The historical core of the city was formed during the region's period of economic growth. Buildings from this time are characterised by simple forms and the adaptation of European canons to the tropical climate.
  Iconic landmark: Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) — an example of traditional commercial architecture serving as a centre of public life. The College of Nossa Senhora do Carmo is also noteworthy, reflecting the influence of Catholic missions on education and development.
• Religious Modernism (Mid-20th Century)
  During this period, substantial religious structures appeared in the city, becoming vertical landmarks. The style is characterised by the use of concrete, concise decoration, and a striving for verticality.
  Iconic landmark: Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Designed by Italian architects and completed in 1981, the cathedral is the tallest building in the city. Its architecture combines modern engineering solutions with a traditional basilica layout.
• Modern Functionalism and Brutalism (Late 20th Century)
  The era associated with the flourishing of the "Boi-Bumbá" festival brought massive concrete structures to the city, focused on utility and capacity.
  Iconic landmark: Bumbódromo (opened in 1988). This is a gigantic arena in the shape of a stylised bull's head. The structure is executed in the spirit of functionalism: massive concrete stands and the absence of superfluous decoration are subordinate to the main goal — ensuring visibility and acoustics for theatrical performances.
• Vernacular (Folk) Architecture
  An integral part of Parintins' urban planning involves the neighbourhoods along the river. Here, spontaneous development prevails, adapted to the Amazon's tidal cycles.
  Characteristic feature: Palafitas — wooden houses on high stilts, typical of the Amazonian coastal areas, forming the city's unique water facade.

Historical Figures and Founders

• José Pedro Cordovil
  Role: Portuguese captain, founder of the settlement.
  Significance: A key figure in the history of the island's colonisation. In 1796, he founded the settlement of Vila Nova da Rainha, which subsequently grew into modern Parintins. The beginning of the official European development of these lands is associated with his name.
• Dom Arcângelo Cerqua
  Role: Bishop, missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME).
  Significance: The first bishop of Parintins, who played a huge role in the development of education and spiritual life in the city. It was he who initiated and led the construction of the majestic Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, which today is the city's main architectural symbol.

Legends of the Boi-Bumbá Festival

• Lindolfo Monteverde
  Role: Fisherman, poet, creator of the "Boi Garantido" association.
  Significance: A legendary figure who founded the "red bull" (Boi Garantido) in 1913. Fulfilling a religious vow to Saint John, he established traditions that evolved into one of the city's two main cultural forces. His home in the Baixa do São José district is a place of pilgrimage for fans.
• Roque Cid
  Role: Founder of the "Boi Caprichoso" association.
  Significance: He stood at the origins of the creation of the "blue bull" (Boi Caprichoso) in the early 20th century. Thanks to his initiative and the efforts of his family (the Cid and Gonzaga families), the famous rivalry formed, which acts as the engine of Parintins' culture.
• Jair Mendes
  Role: Artist, sculptor, scenography innovator.
  Significance: A genius who changed the visual appearance of the festival. In the 1970s, he was the first to create a movable bull puppet and began using large-scale allegorical structures, turning modest street parades into a grandiose theatrical show of world-class level.

Icons of Modern Culture

• David Assayag
  Role: Singer, lead performer of toadas (Levantador de Toadas).
  Significance: Known as the "Emperor" and "King of the Toada". Possessing a unique vocal timbre, he has become the most recognisable artist of the festival in recent decades, performing for both the "reds" and the "blues" in different years.
• Arlindo Júnior
  Role: Singer, composer, cultural ambassador (known as "Pop da Selva").
  Significance: A cult figure for "Caprichoso" supporters. He modernised the sound of festival music by adding elements of pop culture to it and played a decisive role in popularising the festival outside the state of Amazonas.
• Emerson Maia
  Role: Composer, poet, musician.
  Significance: Author of classic works that have become anthems of the Amazon (for example, "Lamento de Raça"). His work helped form the poetic language of the festival, celebrating the beauty of nature and the life of indigenous peoples.